Rajshahi faces off Rangpur without foreign players amid payment controversy

Durbar Rajshahi�s troubles escalated as they fielded a team without any foreign players in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) clash against Rangpur Riders. 

The development stemmed from ongoing disputes over unpaid salaries, with foreign players reportedly refusing to participate until their dues were cleared.  

Captain Taskin Ahmed confirmed during the toss that Rajshahi would play without overseas players. Despite the chaos, the match proceeded after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) granted special permission to Rajshahi to field an all-local team, deviating from the league's standard requirement of having at least two foreign players in the playing XI.  

Earlier in the day, tensions ran high as reports surfaced about the foreign players' boycott threats. The uncertainty lingered until the afternoon, with Rajshahi�s arrival at the venue delayed until 5 PM, an hour after Rangpur Riders reached the stadium.  

Adding to the disarray, the team�s foreign coaching staff, except head coach Ijaz Ahmed, were absent during pre-match preparations. Meanwhile, players' frustrations grew after an abrupt overnight change in accommodations, which left their luggage outside Hotel Westin earlier in the day.  

However, some relief came as players, including Taskin Ahmed and Anamul Haque Bijoy, were reportedly paid 25% of their pending salaries before boarding the team bus. Despite this gesture, questions about the franchise�s professionalism and management remain unanswered.  

The ongoing financial issues have put a spotlight on Rajshahi, highlighting the challenges faced by the franchise in maintaining cohesion and adherence to league standards.